black/dark background

[Becca]

Hi all. Am a complete novice when it comes to photography, and am wanting to practice by photographing my boyfriend. i have had a bit of a search online at the sort of styles i want to be aiming for, and many have a sort dark background. Is it best to shoot in a room with a dark background at the time, or to edit it in after using photoshop? Also, if it is best to use an actual backround, what would you recommend? would a black sheet suffice, or does it have to be specific fabric etc? Also, does the black need to go around the corners too, to provide a sort of "box" for him to pose in, or is it only needed as a backdrop?

(i have a canon 350d, in case that makes any difference! as i am still learning, i still use the automatic settings. :bonk

Thanks in advance, i hope this makes sense to someone!!!

Just thought as well, i haven't ever done posed shots before, so haven't had to use any lighting or anything, any tips on what to use, were to position it would also be very helpful!! thanks very much.

 

[spannerdude]

Hi Becca,
it is always easiest to shoot it right in the first place.
You don't need any special material particularly, the effect you're after can be achieved with the use of lighting. If you expose for your subject and underexpose the background you can make any background dark. The darker it is to start with the easier it might be but the principle is the same.
It's a lot easier to clean up a dark background in the post processing than it is to isolate the subject and fit a new background.

Have a look in the tutorial section, there is a whealth of useful information there.

 

[kalibre]

Hi Becca,

First answer, don't rely on post-processing in photoshop unless you really have to, I.e. get the shot setup as near as 100% as possible. In reality any non-translucent, non-reflective black/dark material will do. Muslin is a common choice because it's relatively cheap to get hold of.

If you are aiming for low-key, moody shots then light spill is going to be an issue, especially if you are in a lightly coloured room. Wrapping the backdrop around the subject is certainly a solution, although the realities of actually mounting that much material will be 'interesting'. The use of strategically placed black card or painted cardboard is a good option as a replacement.

If you got specific lighting setup questions then it's probably best to post in the lighting section and someone more knowledgable will be able to help!

 

[Garry Edwards]

The advice above is right - any background can become dark if the subject is a long way in front of it and is lit, and the background isn't.

But that kind of distance is very hard to obtain in a most houses (Buckingham Palace might have large enough rooms ;-) ) so you need a dark or black background of some sort to start with.

Lighting is a very big subject on its own. By all means ask specific questions, but take a look at these basic lighting guides first, they may help to get you started

 

[Becca]

Thanks for the replies. I will have a read of the tutorials and see how i get on! Is just good to get an idea from you more experienced people about what i should be doing!